Joint Security forces have commenced an a crackdown on Ugandans in possession of military paraphernalia and clothing similar to the UPDF wear.

This development follows a recent campaign by the Uganda Police Force and Ghetto youth leaders in Kampala, Wakiso and Mukono to collect camouflage clothing and military wear in the hands of Civilians. On December 02, the Kampala Metropolitan Police, Stephen Tanui, said the police would commence a crackdown on whoever is found in possession of military paraphernalia within 14 days.

Tanui who was meeting members of the Ghetto Youth Coordinators explained that criminals use clothing similar to police and army uniforms to commit crimes. He noted that this clothing is even sold in local shops and markets countrywide.

The operation was planned in two phases the first being in 1st December that ended the voluntary phase on 15 December 2022, in this time, each item handed over was bought back at 10.000 shillings to allow owners buy a replacement, the owners were assured of protection ” he said

Enanga says the opreartion has seen the collection of 1,865 military and police attires and semblance attires were collected. He says among them included a pistol, 650 trousers ,104 skirts, 132 shirt 341 t shirts , 161 caps, 207 jackets, walkie takies 01, other items collected include sweaters, dresses, jackets , warm suits, long coats, boots, helmets, bags, back packs, bottles, vests, baboons, belts, bandanas, mosquito nets, bedcovers .

“Amongest the items collected, 120 belonged to UPDF while UPF were 77, semblance were 1668″he says

Police spokesperson Fred Enanga, has on Friday, December 2022, says security forces have now embarked on the second phase of the crackdown where anyone found in possession of military attires will be arrested and charged.

“The directorate of crime intelligence has come out to thank the public for willingly handing over the attires and the coordinators who worked closely with police. The public should desist from buying or acquiring such attires as it promotes insecurity is illegal and promotes panic and fear.

He says dealers in second hand clothes that resemble military attires should immediately hand them over to avoid police.

Possession of military paraphernalia  without authority is a criminal offence under the UPDF Act and any one found guilty  faces a 10-year jail team.

Compiled by Minah Nalule